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The mission of the Bay County Historical Society is to preserve the history of Bay County and to develop facilities and programs dedicated to the enhancement, enrichment and enjoyment of our community.
 
 
 

 

Upcoming Events  

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Become A Member 

Sign Up Today!

Become a member of the Bay County Historical Society TODAY 

and join in efforts to preserve the rich past of Bay County 

for future generations!!

 

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Benefits

  • Free access to exhibits on Bay County history & Michigan Rock
  • and Roll Legends Hall of Fame
  • Subscription to the Museum Record, 3/ year
  • 25% discount on items sold in the museum store

 

 LEARN MORE

 

 

 


 

 Blog Articles

GUEST BLOGGER: WILLIAM PATRICK (W.P.) KAVANAUGH'S BACKGROUND AND PERSONAL LIFE



Kavanaughblog1.jpgBy Kate Tobbe Ptak.

Last month was the last of Mudi's Memoirs. The first ones related to her life growing up in Bay City, and the last one focused on her father, W.P. Kavanaugh, his prominent role in the fish industry in Bay City, Saginaw Bay, and Lake Huron. W.P. was a savvy businessman, an entrepreneur, and an active conservationist, focused on the best conditions for fish in the rivers, bays, and lakes. For the next few months, I will be writing more about W. P. himself. This first installment introduces him based on his family history.

Peter Kavanaugh, our great-grandfather, immigrated to Canada from Fetherd-on-Sea, a small fishing village near Wexford City, County Wexford, Ireland, when he was just a baby. Census records show that he was born in Fetherd-on-Sea in 1835, but the next two sons, twins, were born in Glengarry, Ontario in 1836(1). This was a decade before the Great Potato Famine that caused many poor Irish families to migrate from their homeland to survive.

 

Continue reading the BLOG ARTICLE 


 

 
Museum Exhibit Hours: 
 
              
Tuesday-Friday  10am - 4pm
 
Saturday, Sunday & Monday  CLOSED
 
JULY 4TH WEEKEND: Closed July 3rd-7th 
 
*Closed for major holidays and inclement weather.
 

The Butterfield Memorial Research LibraryHours:
 Appointment only: Wednesday - Friday at 10am - 12pm
Public Hours: Wednesday at 1-4pm      
  
*We make every effort to keep the library open.  It is strongly suggested that anyone with travel or time constraints please call before their intended visit to make sure the library is staffed.
 
   

ADMISSION

Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE

Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family


 
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A biweekly newsletter and upcoming event notices will be sent directly to your email. 
 
 
 
Bay County Historical Society Museum
321 Washington Avenue
Bay City, MI 48708
 
989-893-5733
 
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